Two dead in apparent murder-suicide outside daycare in Grain Valley

Updated: 11/14/23 (7:00pm)

In a release the evening of November 14th, the Grain Valley Police Department identified the parties involved in a murder-suicide that occurred outside of Milestone Academy child care center at 1401 South Buckner Tarsney Road shortly before 6:00pm on November 13, 2023.

Officers were dispatched to shots fired in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals deceased in the parking lot in what appears to be an isolated domestic incident resulting in a murder-suicide.

The incident was determined to be an isolated domestic incident that resulted in a murder-suicide between a husband and wife. The two individuals have been identified as:

Victim – Shasta C. Gilmore, 33 years old
Suspect – Randal B. Gilmore, 31 years old

The incident occurred shortly before the facility’s closing time, and the department's release stated "we are saddened to report the children of the couple were witnesses to the act – along with other daycare attendees and staff awaiting parent/guardian pickup. Our thoughts and prayers are with the children who were left behind, the family, as well as the witnesses and the entire Milestone Academy community."

According to Milestone Academy, daycare services will resume on Wednesday, November 15th. Counselors from the Grain Valley School District, as well as GVPD’s Victim Advocate, will be present to provide the public with the needed resources to navigate this tragic event.

In the release, the GVPD thanked the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Jackson Country Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance with the investigation as well as the support of local law enforcement partners.

“I am heartbroken over this horrific act of violence. We are continuing to keep the children in our thoughts and prayers. The Grain Valley Police Department works diligently to provide the highest level of service to those who find themselves in troubling relationships. We stand ready to support and aid anyone in need of help," Grain Valley Police Chief Ed Turner said.

“Moving forward, the children are a primary concern. We are working with our area partners to provide wrap-around services to the children, family, and community. I commend the men and women of the Grain Valley Police Department for their fast response to the scene. Officers were quick to separate the children and provide comfort to everyone involved. Please contact the police department for help or Hope House at 816-461-HOPE (4673)."

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know there are various resources available to assist individuals in difficult situations. For more information regarding these resources, contact our Victim Advocate at (816) 847-6250.


Original story posted: 11/13/2023

Grain Valley Police Department is continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred outside of Milestone Academy child care center at 1401 South Buckner Tarsney Road shortly before 6:00pm on November 13, 2023.

Officers were dispatched to shots fired in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals deceased in the parking lot in what appears to be an isolated domestic incident resulting in a murder-suicide. No children or other occupants of the business were physically injured. In a social media post and communication to parents, Milestone Academy stated they would be closed on Tuesday, November 14th.

In a release Monday evening, Grain Valley Police Department stated they are working closely with Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office to conduct the investigation. The names of the deceased will be released pending family notification.

Anyone with information should contact Grain Valley Police Department at (816) 847-6250.